The Current
CBC
Three stories to expand your worldview, delivered daily. Matt Galloway cuts through a sea of choice to bring you stories that transcend the news cycle. Conversations with big thinkers, household names, and people living the news. An antidote to algorithms that cater to what you already know — and a meeting place for diverse perspectives. In its 20 years, the Current has become a go-to place for stories that shape and entertain us. Released daily, Monday to Friday.The Current is produced in Toronto, Ontario, Canada — and has recently recorded live shows about the Canadian election in Surrey and Burnaby BC. And shows to come in Oshawa and the 905, Red Deer, Alberta, Quebec City and Halifax.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 3, 2026 • 13min
Latest Epstein files show ties to powerful men
Molly Jong-Fast, journalist and author known for sharp political commentary, breaks down newly released DOJ files. She describes the scope of the records and how they show ties between Jeffrey Epstein and powerful figures. She critiques weak responses, explores how power protected him, and outlines calls for hearings, testimony, and remedies for survivors.
Feb 3, 2026 • 25min
How fungi could save the planet
Toby Kiers, evolutionary biologist and mycorrhizal fungi researcher who co-founded the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks, describes the vast mycelial webs that move nutrients and sequester huge amounts of carbon. Short scenes explore how these networks act like Earth’s circulatory system, how they trade resources and process information, the threats from land use, and the Underground Atlas mapping fungal hotspots.
Feb 3, 2026 • 11min
China's influence filling the gap of the “American Dream”
Tianyu Feng, a Harvard PhD student studying China’s history, technology and culture, talks about China’s rising cultural reach. He explores Chinese films, games and toys gaining traction abroad. He discusses attention on Chinese EVs and AI as alternatives. He outlines why Chinese products now resonate and how shifting geopolitics and soft power shape perceptions.
Feb 2, 2026 • 25min
Are you reading?
Jonathan Jarry, science communicator at McGill, offers perspective on reading trends and attention. Gregor Campbell, English professor at Guelph, discusses classroom struggles with long novels. Morgan Book, BookTok influencer and podcaster, explains how social media and audiobooks have reignited reading. They debate data, deep reading, teaching challenges, and practical ways people rebuild reading habits.
Feb 2, 2026 • 22min
How to feel human in a tech world
Douglas Rushkoff, media theorist and author who writes about technology and culture. He revisits early internet optimism and explains how capitalism reshaped the web. He warns how AI could create dependency while also offering a chance to reclaim agency. He champions community, sharing, and simple practices like pausing and eye contact to keep human connection alive.
Feb 2, 2026 • 19min
Artemis II: Humanity’s Return to the Moon
Michelle Hanlon, a space law expert focused on the Outer Space Treaty and ethical rules for lunar activity. Gordon Osinski, a planetary geologist who trains astronauts and studies lunar science. They discuss Artemis II launch prep, Canada’s role, translunar maneuvers and far-side blackout, how this mission paves the way for surface science, and the legal and geopolitical stakes of returning to the Moon.
Jan 30, 2026 • 19min
Poilievre prepares for leadership vote at Conservative convention
Monty Solberg, former Conservative MP and strategist, and Jason Kenney, former Alberta premier, discuss the Calgary convention and Poilievre's leadership review. They explore what level of support would signal victory. They debate tone and strategy to win older and accessible voters, handling U.S. engagement with Alberta separatists, and the party’s national messaging on affordability.
Jan 30, 2026 • 23min
Roller derby doc that looks at the community is changing lives
Courtney Montour, Kanagahaga filmmaker behind Rising Through the Fray, offers a director's view of the team and ceremonies. Sour Cherry (Sherry Bonkus), Indigenous roller derby player and founding member of Indigenous Rising, shares her journey and the sport's role in identity and community. They discuss borderless team identity, cultural ceremonies on and off track, and how derby formed a fierce supportive family.
Jan 30, 2026 • 14min
The world has entered its water bankruptcy era
Kaveh Madani, director at UNU and author of the UN water bankruptcy report, explains how human demand now outstrips nature’s ability to replenish freshwater. He describes where water is used most. He outlines signs of system collapse worldwide. He discusses why replenishment is harder and the risks of treating water like a financial failure.
Jan 30, 2026 • 12min
One step closer: Jeremy Hansen on orbiting the moon
Jeremy Hansen, a Canadian astronaut chosen for the Artemis II lunar flyby, discusses the final launch preparations and seeing the rocket up close. He talks about intense training and rehearsals, confronting fear and risk, and Canada’s engineering role in lunar exploration. Personal reflections on a childhood dream and why space inspires collective progress round out the conversation.
